Xylophones, and my little sponges
Couple of weeks ago while I was selecting merchandise for our store, KangarooBoo, Sebastian came into the office and sat on my lap. He said “let me see what I want to buy” and then proceeded to point out this picture and that picture, saying “I want this for my birthday, I want that for my birthday…” And then “I want a xylophone for my birthday.” Well his birthday was hours away and there was no way we could get him a xylophone. Besides, all his presents were already purchased and wrapped (one of which is a trumpet).
As usual, I went off on the tangent again. What I’m trying to say is, I can count the times I mentioned the word “xylophone” with exactly 2 fingers. This guy has a super memory for words! He sang one of the nursery songs that were at least 20 lines long to us during bedtime a few evenings ago. Hubby and I can’t even sing it without reading the book, even though we have read it thousands of times.
Not long ago I read somewhere that it is easiest for children to learn (foreign) languages before age 10. The ability and ease decreases drastically as the person gets older. I strive to keep the kids bilingual by speaking to them in as much Cantonese as I can. I know they understand everything I say, but it is a little discouraging when they respond to me only in English instead. I know it would be easier and they would absorb more if Hubby and I spoke Cantonese together — the problem is, he doesn’t know how! It would be best if the kids can learn to read/write Chinese as they grow older, but for now, I will settle for at least being able to speak it.
Do you parents of ABC’s or AB-other-ethnicity have problems teaching/maintaining the mother tongue at home?
Vien Said,
August 7, 2007 @ 11:51 am
I guess Belle will have no problem understanding and speaking Shanghaiese ‘cos my inlaws speak that at home. I on the other hand haven’t been consistent with my Cantonese. I do find Belle’s speech a little delay due to the many dialects and languages she is absorbing…but amazingly, she understands ALL of ‘em.
madalyn Said,
August 7, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
I grew up in an English/Vietnamese speaking household. (My mom is Vietnamese, my dad is American.) My dad is fluent in Vietnamese and speaks it with my mom — but neither parent forced me or my sister to use Vietnamese on a regular basis. I’m told that although my first words were in Vietnamese, as soon as I began school, it was English only from my mouth.
I don’t speak Vietnamese now. But I do understand enough to answer my mom’s questions if she happens to ask me something in Vietnamese. Sometimes I sort of wish they had “made” me use the language more when I was a kid (especially when I’m traveling in Vietnam!). On the other hand, I don’t blame them for not wanting to force me.
I have, however, grown up with a strong connection to my Vietnamese heritage — regardless of what language I speak!
Angela Said,
August 8, 2007 @ 7:01 am
Thank you for the birthday wishes!
I actually get that a lot. I think it’s because I skipped so many of the normal early 20s activities and I was in a committed relationship for so long. Most of my friends are in there 30s and married with kids. Plus a lot of my younger friends call me grandma because I mention things about the way teenagers act now and say things like “Geeze!”. I don’t know if it’s something I should work on or not. lol!
I didn’t forget to take photos of the skirt. I just haven’t been home enough yet to do it.
I should be emailing you that tomorrow.